Noisy parties face bigger fines in Freeport

FREEPORT — Joy Horton is tired of the noise. Literally. Her fiance has to wake up at 4 a.m. to go to work, and sleep in Horton’s eastside neighborhood is simply impossible on some nights.

“The bars close and my neighbor would have after-bar parties,” Horton said. “Charge $2 a head. We, as neighbors, have had the mayor and chief of police in the neighborhood because of noise. We are sitting up all night because of the parties and the goings-on.”

Aldermen have heard complaints like this all across the city. In 2013, they have had 66 complaints so far, 10 of which are repeat offenders. In 2012 there were 107 complaints and 99 in 2011. They responded Monday by adopting stiff fines for disturbing the peace within city limits.

Within 90 days, police may fine those who disturb the peace $150 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense and $500 for the third offense based upon the discretion of the police officers responding to the complaint.

Previously, police could fine people up to $100 for disturbing the peace. But officers didn’t always levy fines that high, and offenders could challenge their fine in court and pay a lesser amount.

“Sometimes the fines weren’t taken all that seriously,” said Freeport Police Chief Jerry Whitmore.

The chief recalls one situation in which the host of a house party was fined three times within five months for disturbing the peace. Each time, police fined the party host $35.

“They would tell officers that they weren’t concerned,” Whitmore said. “Everyone at the party would pitch in and simply pay that fine. We want to send the message that it’s not that simple. Neighbors shouldn’t have to put up with that.”

“This has been a major problem in all wards and we need to get on top of this,” said 3rd Ward Ald. Ronnie Bush. “We have got to let people know that they can’t party (like) it’s 1999.”

The City Council fast-tracked passage of the ordinance Monday. Whitmore said loud parties can also create other problems in neighborhoods.

“The parties breed other issues whether it be fight calls or disturbances in the street,” Whitmore said. “Those causing disorder in the streets, their fun infringes on others living in a nice, quiet neighborhood.”

Horton said she’s witnessed crime firsthand because of the parties.

“Minors would come, nobody cared,” Horton said. “It was terrible. Just getting your wrist slapped and getting off with a warning doesn’t do anything. If laws are stricter I think some of that would go away and that would be a good thing.”